Forum home Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Dalek compost bin

Hi guys 

I have two of the dalek style bins and worried they are not hot enough. I cant seem to find on the Internet whether i should have the vents open or shut. I have them shut as I thought it would keep the heat in. Any ideas ?  Thanks 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    Hello Sarah may image

    Normal garden composting doesn't need heat - it's having the right mix of materials, plus the action of bacteria and invertebrates to break down the material, that produces the compost.

    If you have a really large compost heap then heat will build up and speed up the process which is an advantage, but not a necessity.

    Hope that helps  image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Gardengirl..Gardengirl.. Posts: 4,172

    I have these compost bins if you want the material to be warmer then turning them will help either from one bin to the other or just turning it in the bin

    It is good to have a few to move the compost ever so often

    Keep the door shut

    Hampshire Gardener
  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532
    I have three of these bins they usually slow right down this time of year so you have to be patient, the door is only for getting it out, always keep it closedimage
  • Thanks guys, there are vents in the lid- you have to twist it to take it off and you can have vents open or closed. I do turn them every couple of weeks, add garotta and a good mix of green and brown. It was steaming back in spring and i was so excited!!! But it hasnt done since!

  • mollismollis Posts: 151

    Turning it or mixing it will get it going again... I add fresh horse manure to mine, it is a great accelerator to get things cooking, but regular turning is the best way to keep it decomposing. Good luck. image

Sign In or Register to comment.